A NORTH Wales ambulanceman has finally called it a day – after a remarkable 40 years in the job and just four days off sick.

Penygroes-born technician Dafydd Wyn Williams’ dedication this week won him praise from bosses at the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust.

Director of Ambulance Services for North Wales Dafydd Jones-Morris visited the 63-year-old on his last day at work.

He said: “I started work in the Caernarfon area shortly after Dafydd started and I have known him all that time.

“He has given tremendous service to the area and his record of absenteeism is amazing, especially in this day and age and with the type of work he has had to do.

“I feel his outstanding record should be acknowledged and it’s likely that a certificate will be presented to Dafydd by the trust board.”

Dafydd was brought up in Penygroes, near Caernarfon, and after leaving school went to work in Dorothea quarry where he learned first-aid. A well-known local character and ambulanceman Griff Jones ran St John Ambulance Brigade courses and Dafydd was persuaded to sign up.

Dafydd said: “That was the start of it. And when a vacancy arose in the ambulance service I applied for it.

“For many years after that Griff was my partner and I owe a great deal to him.”

Dafydd moved to Caernarfon when the Penygroes village station closed some 25 years ago and has remained there ever since.

He added: “There have been huge changes in the service over the years and it is now far more technical and sophisticated and better because of it.”

Dafydd was philosophical about his incredible attendance record.

Mr Williams said: “I suppose I’ve been lucky. I had a back problem which kept me off for a couple of days.”

He also paid tribute to wife Glenys for her support and their daughters Olwen, Gwawr and Nerys who cared for his wife when he had to go to work.

He now plans to spend his spare time doing DIY at their Penygroes homes.